2008 GMC Yukon vs. 2008 Nissan Armada

Sound system/goodies - 6/10 No “too big for its own good” sports utility vehicle would be complete without a flood of multimedia options at the ready to keep the peace among passengers. That said the Yukon delivers highlights like the DVD-sourced navigation system and DVD entertainment center, with available screens for the rear headrests. The nav and audio faceplate show shades of the Cadillac Escalade from which they are derived and offer a hint of unexpected luxury. However, for all of its visual pop, the virtual map is lacking directional prowess. It’s fortunate to be in such a rugged vehicle because the system’s turn prompts will have you stranded in the boonies more often than you’d like. The SLE 3SA can be outfitted with an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatibility, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and Bose Premium sound system. XM satellite radio is standard along with a three-month trial subscription. There is also a rearview camera for easier tow hookup, keyless entry and automatic climate controls.

Bang for your buck - 15/20 Even if all those features coupled with all that cargo volume seem superfluous, the ’07 redesign that spilled over into ’08 was carefully plotted. With just a few relatively minor snafus here and there, the GMC Yukon is a compelling choice worth a once-over if you're in the market for a hefty SUV.

Driving experience - 15/20 Piloting the GMC Yukon can prove to be a daunting challenge for anyone who isn’t accustomed to the blind spots and traffic-merging dilemmas presented by a brute-ute. The gear changes go unfelt and are comparably smooth for an 8-cylinder, but can sometimes be overshadowed by the excessive body roll. However, if you do manage to tip the beast, you can count on the dual-front airbags to buffer the crunch. The Yukon registers an EPA of 14 city/19 highway mpg (which plummets to 11/14 on Ethanol gas) and has been praised for its 7,400 lbs of hitch capacity and prime stopping power, but has a shallow turning radius and remains difficult to park.

Overall score - 73/100 GMC makes it known on their 2008 outing just why it is that the Yukon has been a constant on its roster. And even with rising gas prices and environmentalists breathing down the necks of car manufacturers, GMC has managed to avert the criticisms with its Ethanol Yukon model.

Nissan Armada

MSRP (base): $35,500Engine: 5.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC VK56DE V8Horsepower: 317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpmTorque: 385 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpmMPG: City: 12; Highway: 18 Performance - 16/20 The Nissan Armada’s shell is hoisted onto the same F Alpha platform that is shared with the Titan and Frontier pickups, and the X-Terra and Pathfinder SUVs. The Armada is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The curb weight is balanced and spread evenly onto wishbone suspension at both ends with rear independent suspension. The optional AWD is impressive, to say the understated least. The Nissan Armada can operate as a rear-wheel drive system for the majority of the drive, but wields the ability to transfer up to half of the engine’s kinetics to the front tires when necessary. The 5.6-liter, 32-valve, DOHC VK56DE block has 8 cylinders, and throws out the ponies you’d expect from such a motor. At 5,200 rpm you'll benefit from 317 horsepower with 385 lb-ft of torque. The amassed power equates to great acceleration off the line. There are also four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a five-speed automatic transmission.

We know how the GMC Yukon fared, but how will the Nissan Armada match up?